Thinking Big on Digital Inclusion

Report

Summary: Laughter, a universal human expression, brings joy and fosters connections among individuals from different cultures and languages. It is an instinctive reaction to humor that has numerous positive effects on physical and mental health. Research has found that laughter reduces stress levels, boosts the immune system, and enhances social relationships.

Furthermore, it has been recognized for its therapeutic applications, being used to manage pain, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. The benefits of laughter extend beyond its physiological effects. It has cultural and social dimensions that differ across societies. Different forms of laughter exist, such as genuine laughter and forced laughter.

However, its contagious nature allows it to spread and create a ripple effect of positivity. Laughter has the power to unite people, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Studies have shown that laughter directly impacts well-being.

It activates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, improving mood and reducing feelings of tension and anxiety. Laughter also stimulates the production of antibodies and immune cells, strengthening the immune system and offering protection against illnesses. In addition to its physical benefits, laughter plays a significant role in social interactions.

Laughing together creates a bond between individuals, easing tension and promoting a sense of camaraderie. Shared laughter can also act as a powerful communication tool, helping to establish connections and build relationships. Moreover, laughter can serve as a coping mechanism during difficult times, providing a temporary escape and promoting resilience.

Therapeutically, laughter has been integrated into various practices such as laughter yoga, involving intentional laughter for physical and psychological well-being. Laughter therapy, in the form of witty banter or humorous distractions, has been used to manage pain and provide emotional relief.

These interventions highlight laughter’s potential to positively impact mental health and contribute to overall wellness. While laughter has many benefits, it should be noted that it may carry different meanings and intentions depending on cultural and social contexts. Humor is subjective, and what one person finds amusing might not resonate with another.

It is essential to approach laughter with respect and sensitivity to cultural norms and individual preferences. In conclusion, laughter is a powerful tool that brings people together, improves well-being, and adds a sense of playfulness to life. Its ability to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and enhance social interactions make it a universal language of joy.

However, it is crucial to consider cultural differences and individual preferences regarding humor. Embracing the positive effects of laughter can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike, fostering unity, resilience, and overall well-being.

Arguments

Half of the world’s population was connected in 2020 and the COVID pandemic highlighted the necessity for digital inclusion in education, healthcare, and financial systems.

Supporting facts:

• The world faced COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

• Digital resources became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic

Topics: Digital inclusion, Education, Healthcare, Financial systems, COVID-19 pandemic

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Edison Alliance’s goal is to connect one billion people who are part of the healthcare, education, or financial inclusion.

Supporting facts:

• Edison Alliance was established to connect people digitally

• Edison Alliance aims to connect one billion people

Topics: Connectivity, Digital Inclusion, Healthcare, Education, Financial systems, Edison Alliance

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Financial inclusion requires data and digital literacy

Supporting facts:

• Digital literacy is a barrier for people

• Affordability can impact digital access

Topics: Digital Literacy, Financial Inclusion

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Accessibility and affordability are crucial for achieving digital literacy

Supporting facts:

• Private money is usually funding the infrastructure

• Different models of affordability exists in different markets

Topics: Digital Literacy, Affordability, Accessibility

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Device affordability is critical for digital inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Some countries are subsidizing the price of devices for low income communities

• Devices become a blocker due to their cost

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Affordability

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ICT ministers are collaborating and sharing knowledge.

Supporting facts:

• There exists a database with more than 1,000 different actions you can take, which is termed the Digital Inclusion Navigator.

Topics: ICT, Collaboration

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Rwanda is a model country for digital inclusion.

Supporting facts:

• Rwanda has made significant strides in progressing towards digital inclusion.

Topics: Rwanda, Digital inclusion

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Hans Vestberg is optimistic about bringing 2.6 billion people online

Supporting facts:

• In the last 24 months, 784 million people have been connected to the internet

• Everyone in the group, which includes 167 of the largest corporations in the world and countries from all around the world, agrees no person should be excluded from this digital inclusion

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Internet Connectivity

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Hans believes that bringing more people online is beneficial for business and not merely philanthropy

Supporting facts:

• They are growing business and selling more with digital inclusion

Topics: Business Growth, Digital Inclusion, Internet Connectivity

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Report

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 highlighted the need for digital inclusion in education, healthcare, and financial systems. Digital resources became crucial during the pandemic, underscoring the importance of digital connectivity. In 2020, half of the world’s population was connected, demonstrating progress in digital inclusion.

However, digital inequality must be addressed to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, is not excluded from society due to a lack of digital access. Hans Vestberg, the CEO of Verizon, advocates for digital equality for all and emphasises the importance of 21st-century infrastructure that provides mobility, broadband, and essential services.

This underscores the need for robust connectivity and accessibility to digital services. The Edison Alliance, an initiative focused on digital inclusion, aims to connect one billion people in healthcare, education, and financial inclusion. This initiative recognises the significance of connectivity in advancing these areas.

Achieving digital inclusion requires addressing factors such as affordability and digital literacy. Limited access to devices and affordability can be barriers to digital inclusion. Some countries are subsidising the cost of devices for low-income communities, acknowledging the criticality of device affordability.

Additionally, digital literacy is essential for financial inclusion, as it involves understanding data and digital skills. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different regions play a vital role in achieving digital inclusion at scale. The collaboration of ICT ministers and their efforts to address challenges and find effective solutions are crucial.

Rwanda serves as a model country for digital inclusion, having made significant progress in digital connectivity and inclusivity. Hans Vestberg is optimistic about the future and aims to bring 2.6 billion people online. He believes that digital inclusion is not only beneficial for society but also crucial for business growth.

Bringing more people online can lead to increased business opportunities and economic growth. In conclusion, digital inclusion is crucial for addressing inequalities, particularly in education, healthcare, and financial systems. Initiatives like the Edison Alliance and collaborations among regions are vital for achieving digital inclusion.

Hans Vestberg’s vision of digital equality and emphasis on 21st-century infrastructure highlight the significance of this issue. Rwanda’s progress in digital inclusion serves as a positive example.

Arguments

Digital access is integral to our lives yet almost a third of the world’s population still lack internet connectivity

Supporting facts:

• 2.6 billion people lack internet connectivity

• 95% of the world’s population is covered by broadband in some way

• Data-only broadband access in a low-income nation costs the equivalent of 20 times that of a high-income nation

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Internet Connectivity, Digital Access

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There are efforts to tackle digital accessibility and affordability issues

Supporting facts:

• Edison Alliance aims to expand digital access to 1 billion people in underserved communities by 2023

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Internet Connectivity, Affordability

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Despite full 4G access coverage, less than a fifth of Paula Ingabire’s population are connected in the modern sense

Supporting facts:

• Paula Ingabire’s government has achieved 97% 4G population coverage, but only 23% of the population owns a smartphone. 78% of the population, however, owns a device of some form.

Topics: digital equity, device ownership, internet access

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Julia Chatterley questions if governments are actively seeking funding for building digital infrastructure.

Supporting facts:

• Julia asks if the governments are coming to the banks and requesting for money in order to digitise.

• She notes that while they have financed mobile and telecommunications, her question now is focused on governments seeking digital infrastructure funding.

Topics: Digitalization, Government Funding, Infrastructure Development, Digitisation

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Financial inclusion doesn’t happen if you don’t have the data to back it up, to provide the credit

Supporting facts:

• Standard Bank absorbs data costs for customers to bank with them.

• Handset affordability is crucial for digital inclusion, and therefore financial inclusion.

• Standard Bank’s collaboration with Microsoft to train people and improve their digital literacy.

Topics: financial inclusion, credit, data

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Learning from each other’s mistakes can help countries adopt successful, sustainable digital development strategies

Supporting facts:

• Rwanda is a ‘lighthouse country’, a model for successful digital development

• A database called Digital Inclusion Navigator contains more than 1000 different actions for digital development

Topics: Digital Inclusion Navigator, Rwanda

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Increasing access to digital technologies, particularly AI, brings both benefits and risks, including exacerbating the digital divide

Supporting facts:

• AI and other emerging technologies have clear benefits but also pose risks like data breaches and cyberattacks

• Expanding networks and increasing online connectivity could potentially widen the digital divide between developed and developing nations

Topics: AI, Emerging technologies, Digital divide

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Report

Digital access remains a pressing global issue, with almost one-third of the world’s population still lacking internet connectivity. This lack of access restricts individuals from fully participating in the digital age and hampers their ability to benefit from the opportunities that digital technologies bring.

Efforts are underway to address digital accessibility and affordability issues, such as the Edison Alliance, which aims to expand digital access to one billion people in underserved communities by 2023. Access to digital services, including healthcare and education, is of paramount importance.

However, billions of people still lack access to these vital services. Approximately two billion people lack access to healthcare, while 1.4 billion remain unbanked and 244 million children have no access to education. These statistics highlight the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to essential services for all.

While some countries have made significant strides in expanding connectivity, there are still challenges in achieving universal access. For instance, Rwanda has achieved an impressive 97% 4G population coverage. However, less than a quarter of the population owns a smartphone, limiting their ability to fully benefit from modern connectivity.

Initiatives like the Student Freedom Initiative in the United States are working towards bridging this digital inequity gap. Julia Chatterley raises important questions about government initiatives and funding for digital infrastructure development. She questions whether governments actively seek funding for building digital infrastructure and addresses the need for effective and sustainable strategies in digital development.

Financial inclusion and digital literacy are essential components of achieving universal access. Standard Bank, for instance, absorbs data costs for customers to facilitate banking services. Collaboration with Microsoft is also helping to train individuals and improve their digital literacy, a vital step towards financial inclusion.

Rwanda is often considered a model for successful digital development. Its efforts and strategies have made it a ‘lighthouse country’ in the realm of digital development. The Digital Inclusion Navigator database, containing over 1000 different actions for digital development, serves as a valuable resource for other countries to learn from Rwanda’s experiences and adopt successful, sustainable digital development strategies.

The expansion of digital technologies, such as AI and emerging technologies, brings both benefits and risks. While these technologies hold great potential, there is a need to address concerns such as data breaches and cyberattacks. Additionally, expanding networks and increasing online connectivity may potentially widen the digital divide, further exacerbating existing inequalities between developed and developing nations.

In conclusion, digital access remains a significant challenge for a substantial portion of the global population. Efforts are being made to address this issue through initiatives like the Edison Alliance, government initiatives, and collaborations between corporations and nonprofit organizations. Financial inclusion, digital literacy, and sustainable digital development strategies are crucial components in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in the digital age.

Arguments

While there is a substantial mobile penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa, the percentage of people with access to 3G and above technology is modest.

Supporting facts:

• Mobile penetration at any level of technology from 2G onwards in Sub-Saharan Africa is 75%

• Only 45% of Africans have access to 3G and above technology

Topics: Mobile Penetration, Internet connectivity, Technology access, Sub-Saharan Africa, Economic Opportunity

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Laying fibre in the ground is important for Africa’s connectivity

Supporting facts:

• Seven new fibre optic cables are being constructed across Africa

• These constructions are funded by private sector money

Topics: Fibre Optic Cables, Internet Connectivity, Infrastructure Development

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Banks are ready to support these investments

Supporting facts:

• Nonkululeko Nyembezi believes that by next Davos summit, considerable progress will be achieved due to these investments

Topics: Banking, Investments, Infrastructure Development

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Governments have a limited role in giving the right policy framework, while the private sector does the rest.

Supporting facts:

• Government was busy laying fixed-line infrastructure which was leapfrogged by the private sector.

Topics: Government Intervention, Private Sector

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Private-sector companies can take solo actions to reduce data costs and improve digital inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Standard Bank absorbs the data costs of their app and ensures that customers don’t need data to bank with them

• The bank secures mobile virtual network operator licenses in South Africa so they can provide data at reasonable rates

Topics: Private-Sector Actions, Digital Inclusion, Data Costs

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Improving affordability of smartphones is critical for expanding digital services

Supporting facts:

• Standard Bank offers smartphone financing in South Africa and Nigeria

• However, the bank has had challenges sourcing credit-worthy data in Nigeria

Topics: Smartphone Affordability, Digital Services

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Digital platforms need to be designed with end-user in mind, and cater to all demographics

Supporting facts:

• Standard Bank has a team dedicated to making digital interfaces more user-friendly

• The bank is collaborating with Microsoft on a pilot project to improve digital literacy in South Africa

Topics: User-Centric Design, Digital Literacy

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Need for increased cybersecurity in banks

Supporting facts:

• Nonkululeko Nyembezi mentioned that banks, being magnets for cyber security attacks, have built various firewalls and armours around the system. There has been an explosion in phishing and vishing, particularly targeting the elderly.

Topics: Banking, Information Security, Digital Infrastructure, Cyber Attacks

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Banks must spend on digital literacy

Supporting facts:

• Nyembezi stated that the South African regulator is making it a licensing requirement for every bank to demonstrate that they spend a certain percentage of their revenue on literacy, especially digital literacy.

Topics: Digital Literacy, Bank Responsibility, Regulation

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Report

In Sub-Saharan Africa, while there is substantial mobile penetration, access to 3G and above technology remains limited. Only 45% of Africans have access to this level of technology, highlighting the need for infrastructure and connectivity improvements in the region. Companies like Verizon recognize the growth potential in Sub-Saharan Africa and are looking to capitalize on this opportunity.

Private sector investments are being made to lay fibre optic cables across Africa, which positively impacts connectivity. The construction of seven new fibre optic cables, funded by private sector money, will significantly enhance internet access and facilitate the growth of the digital economy in the region.

To further support technological advancements, African governments should create a favorable infrastructure and regulatory environment. It is argued that regulations should incentivize data centers, and the establishment of appropriate data governance laws is essential. These measures would encourage investment and ensure secure and efficient handling of data.

Banks in the region are willing to support infrastructure development and contribute to progress. Prominent figures such as Nonkululeko Nyembezi believe that considerable advancements will be achieved through these investments. Governmental involvement should primarily focus on creating the right policies and regulations to facilitate these developments.

Private sector companies can also take independent actions to reduce data costs and promote digital inclusion. Standard Bank, for example, absorbs the data costs of its app, making banking accessible without the need for data. Additionally, the bank has secured mobile virtual network operator licenses, enabling them to provide data at reasonable rates.

Such initiatives aim to increase digital access and make services more available to a wider population. The affordability of smartphones is a critical factor in expanding digital services. Standard Bank offers smartphone financing in South Africa and Nigeria to address this issue.

However, challenges in sourcing reliable credit data in Nigeria present potential barriers to achieving universal smartphone affordability. Moreover, digital platforms need to be designed with the end-user in mind and cater to all demographics. Standard Bank dedicates teams to enhance user-friendly digital interfaces.

Collaborations with organizations like Microsoft on projects to improve digital literacy further emphasize the goal of bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity. The concepts of financial and digital inclusion are closely intertwined. Standard Bank’s initiatives, including absorbing app data costs, smartphone financing, and user-friendly designs, promote both forms of inclusion.

By addressing access barriers and providing services that cater to diverse demographics, financial institutions play a crucial role in reducing inequality and poverty. Addressing cybersecurity concerns is essential in the digital era. Banks, being prime targets for cyber attacks, have implemented various security measures to protect their systems.

The need for increased cybersecurity, particularly regarding phishing and vishing, is emphasized, as vulnerable groups like the elderly are increasingly targeted. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is vital to safeguard customer data and maintain trust in digital financial services. In addition, investing in digital literacy is crucial for individuals to fully participate in the digital economy.

The South African regulator has mandated that banks allocate a percentage of their revenue to digital literacy programs. This requirement underscores the recognition of the importance of empowering individuals with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize digital platforms effectively.

In conclusion, while mobile penetration is high in Sub-Saharan Africa, access to advanced technology remains limited. Private sector investments in infrastructure, such as fibre optic cables, are vital for improving connectivity. Governments should create favorable environments to incentivize investments and establish robust data governance laws.

Banks are ready to support these investments, and private sector companies can reduce data costs and enhance digital inclusion. Smartphone affordability, user-centric design, and digital literacy are essential factors in expanding digital services and promoting financial inclusion. Addressing cybersecurity concerns and investing in digital literacy create a secure and empowered digital ecosystem.

Arguments

Rwanda plans to digitize all government services by mid this year.

Supporting facts:

• About more than 120 services are already online.

• By June, they hope to have all the 300 services online.

• The country already had the most critical 100 services online five years ago.

Topics: Digital Transformation, Government Services, Rwanda

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The implementation of the zero trip, zero paper philosophy for service delivery.

Supporting facts:

• The philosophy around service delivery is facilitating self-serve.

• People are not required to travel any distance to avail a service.

• Government services are going paperless.

Topics: Zero trip, Zero paper, Service delivery, Digital Transformation

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Though there is 97% 4G population coverage, not everyone is directly benefitting and accessing.

Supporting facts:

• Despite having a device, not all citizens have smartphones enabling them to access online services.

• There are still barriers to ensure everyone benefits from internet connectivity.

Topics: Internet Connectivity, Digital Access, 4G, Rwanda

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Digital inclusion requires more than access, usability, and affordability

Supporting facts:

• South Africa has 70% smartphone penetration.

• Rwanda has digitized almost all government services.

• Nigeria is focused on building digital literacy skills and has a thriving fintech ecosystem.

Topics: Digital inclusion, Affordability, Usability, Accessibility, Smartphone penetration

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Creating a value proposition for smartphones is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Citizens should see the benefit of owning a smartphone beyond basic phone use.

Topics: Value proposition, Smartphone usage, Cost-benefit analysis

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Both the government and private sector should work together to build digital literacy skills

Supporting facts:

• Whether it’s the industry or the government, everyone provides services to the citizen and wants a digitally literate citizen

Topics: Digital literacy, Public-private partnership

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Government contribution into the universal access fund can expedite connectivity

Supporting facts:

• The government of Rwanda borrowed from the World Bank to build the fiber optic backbone. In five years, 100% connectivity could be achieved instead of 20 years time frame.

Topics: Digitization, Connectivity, Infrastructure

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Bundled services can help tackle the issue of handset affordability in countries with no credit system

Supporting facts:

• Device financing models cause the total cost of owning to be between 160% to 180% from someone who was able to pay upfront. In Rwanda, a scheme with Airtel enables citizens to buy a smartphone for $16 with affordable add on services

Topics: Affordability, Technology, Credit system

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Implementation of data protection and privacy law

Supporting facts:

• Rwanda was able to digitize all the services, leading to collection of a lot of data

• Data protection and privacy law underwent a heavily consultative process

Topics: Data Privacy, Government Regulation, Digital Services

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Government institutions collecting and processing data must be certified

Supporting facts:

• Goverment institutions that collect and process data have to abide by the rules set by the data protection and privacy law

Topics: Data Collection, Government Regulation

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Within data protection and privacy law, ownership of data belongs to the citizen

Supporting facts:

• Citizens should have tools that allow them to know when and how their data is being used and if they consented to their data being used

Topics: Data Ownership, Data Privacy

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Bias in AI is a major risk that needs to be addressed

Supporting facts:

• A lot of the large language models that are built, the data that is fed into them is data that maybe is far removed from the local context

Topics: AI Bias, AI Regulation, Artificial Intelligence

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Creating large language models in the local language

Supporting facts:

• Rwanda is creating large language models in the local language, Kinyarwanda, for use in different areas including early warning systems for farmers and community health workers

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Language Models, Local Content

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Report

Rwanda is leading the way in digitising government services, with plans to have all 300 services online by June. The country has already achieved over 120 online services, which is a significant accomplishment. This move towards digitisation aims to improve efficiency, accessibility, and convenience for citizens.

To ensure access, usability, and affordability for all citizens, Rwanda has prioritised the establishment of a national fibre optic backbone, which ensures coverage over all 30 districts in the country. This infrastructure development is crucial in bridging the digital divide and reaching remote areas.

However, despite 78% of the population owning a device, only 23% have access to smartphones, which are required to fully benefit from online services. To address this issue, Rwanda has employed a system of third parties and agents who assist citizens without smartphones, enabling them to access government services.

The philosophy of “zero trip, zero paper” for service delivery is another major advancement in Rwanda’s digitisation efforts. This approach eliminates the need for individuals to travel long distances to avail services, saving time and resources and reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, by going paperless, the government is contributing to environmental sustainability. While Rwanda has achieved a 97% population coverage of 4G, there are still barriers preventing everyone from directly benefiting from internet connectivity. Efforts are needed to bridge the gap and ensure that all citizens can access and utilise online services.

Digital inclusion requires more than just access, usability, and affordability. It necessitates a comprehensive approach that goes beyond policy and regulation. Rwanda’s successful digitisation of services through a public-private partnership model demonstrates the government’s proactive role in driving digital inclusion.

By engaging with the private sector, Rwanda has been able to leverage resources and expertise to accelerate the digitisation process. Creating a value proposition for smartphones is crucial in promoting their adoption among citizens. Rwanda has introduced a scheme with Airtel, allowing citizens to buy a smartphone for as little as $16.

By bundling affordable add-on services, the scheme addresses the issue of handset affordability, particularly in countries without a credit system. Building digital literacy skills is another key aspect of digital inclusion. Both the government and private sector must work together to provide educational programmes and resources that empower citizens with the necessary digital skills.

This collaboration ensures that individuals can fully utilise online services and participate in the digital economy. The government’s contribution to the universal access fund plays a vital role in expediting connectivity. By investing in infrastructure development, Rwanda can achieve 100% connectivity in a shorter timeframe.

This commitment demonstrates the government’s determination to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital resources and opportunities. In order to address specific challenges in digital inclusion, unique solutions are necessary. Rwanda recognises that not all citizens have access to electricity, so bundled packages that include solar home systems have been introduced, enabling individuals in remote areas to benefit from digital services.

Data protection and privacy are essential considerations in the digitisation process. Rwanda has implemented data protection and privacy laws, ensuring that citizens have control over their data and that government institutions comply with regulations. This responsible approach safeguards individual privacy and promotes trust in digital services.

Addressing bias in AI is another crucial aspect of digital inclusion. Rwanda acknowledges that large language models often lack data from local contexts, leading to potential bias. To mitigate this, the country is developing large language models in the local language, Kinyarwanda, for use in various sectors, including early warning systems for farmers and community health workers.

This approach promotes inclusivity and reduces bias in AI systems. Education and awareness are vital in building trust in AI. Without educating citizens and providing them with knowledge about what AI entails, trust can be hindered. Rwanda recognises the importance of promoting AI awareness and ensuring a transparent approach to AI development and implementation.

In conclusion, Rwanda’s digitisation efforts in government services showcase its commitment to digital inclusion. Through infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and innovative solutions, the country is making significant progress in bridging the digital divide. By prioritising access, usability, affordability, data protection, and privacy, Rwanda is setting an example for other nations aspiring to achieve comprehensive digital transformation.

Arguments

Digital equity is a major challenge particularly for certain communities in the United States

Supporting facts:

• In the United States, some communities lack certain elements like education, welfare, health, financial literacy relative to the more connected part of the country.

• More than 80% of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which produce a majority of African American professionals like engineers, doctors and judges, live in broadband deserts. They have connectivity but not broadband connectivity which affects their utilization of educational and business applications.

Topics: Digital Equity, United States

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Public, private, and philanthropic partnerships play a crucial role in solving this issue of digital divide

Supporting facts:

• Edison Alliance is a prime example of such partnership which is aimed at formulating solution-based systems to bridge this digital divide.

• A partnership with Cisco to help HBCUs solve the problem of broadband connectivity and secure Title IV funding

Topics: Public-private partnership, Digital Divide

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The use of applications and digital infrastructure significantly improves the sustainability and productivity of small businesses.

Supporting facts:

• The average ROI for utilizing applications in businesses is 640%, and for small businesses, it’s 900%.

• The digitization of a community development financing institution, a credit union in Delta, enabled it to increase its loan count from 50 to over 2900 per year.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Small Businesses

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Digital infrastructure can uplift and sustain communities.

Supporting facts:

• Growing small businesses, which are the largest group of employers in the U.S., can stabilize communities.

• Digitizing banking services for communities with no branch banks helps create a local economy with higher employment and improved standard of living.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Community Development

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It takes an ecosystem for digital inclusion and each ecosystem requires alliances, and information sharing to work effectively.

Supporting facts:

• Experience with the Edison Alliance.

• Mention of best practices and software-driven services as valuable parts of the ecosystem.

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Alliances, Information Sharing

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The next wave is about utilizing Gen AI on data sets and software, to enhance opportunities for the private sector, public, and philanthropic organisations.

Supporting facts:

• All value ultimately ends up in the software.

• The derivative of software is data.

Topics: Gen AI, Data, Software, Opportunities

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Digital inclusion should transition from digital connectivity to digital enablement

Supporting facts:

• Digital enablement needs understanding and digital literacy

• Enablement is boosted through Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, systems and solutions

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Digital Literacy, Digital Connectivity

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Report

Digital equity presents a significant challenge for certain communities in the United States. These communities lack essential resources such as education, welfare, health, and financial literacy in comparison to more connected areas. This lack of digital equity leads to significant disparities in opportunities and access to vital services.

A specific issue highlighted is the limited broadband connectivity faced by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Over 80% of HBCUs, which play a crucial role in producing African American professionals like engineers, doctors, and judges, are located in broadband deserts.

While they may have basic connectivity, the absence of broadband severely restricts their ability to utilize educational and business applications. This deepens the digital divide, hindering the growth and progress of these institutions and the individuals they serve. To address these challenges, public-private partnerships play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide.

The Edison Alliance is an example of one such partnership aiming to develop solution-based systems. A notable collaboration within this alliance is with Cisco, which helps HBCUs solve the issue of broadband connectivity and secure Title IV funding. These partnerships leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of both the public and private sectors to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for digital inclusion.

The use of applications and digital infrastructure significantly enhances the sustainability and productivity of small businesses. Research shows that utilizing applications in businesses results in an average return on investment (ROI) of 640%, with small businesses experiencing even higher returns of 900%.

Digitizing community development financing institutions, such as credit unions, enables them to increase their loan count from 50 to over 2900 per year. This demonstrates how digital infrastructure empowers small businesses to thrive and contribute to local economies. Digital infrastructure also has the potential to uplift and sustain communities.

Growing small businesses, which are the largest group of employers in the U.S., can stabilize communities by providing jobs and economic opportunities. Additionally, digitizing banking services for communities without branch banks helps create a local economy with higher employment rates and an improved standard of living.

Therefore, investing in digital infrastructure benefits not only businesses but also the overall well-being and progress of communities. Effective digital inclusion requires an ecosystem that encourages alliances and information sharing. The Edison Alliance and similar initiatives demonstrate the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving digital inclusion.

Best practices, software-driven services, and localized application software tailored to local needs are valuable components of such an ecosystem. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, digital inclusion efforts can have a more extensive and lasting impact. The next wave of progress relies on harnessing the potential of “Gen AI,” which refers to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) on data sets and software.

This has the potential to enhance opportunities for the private sector, public organizations, and philanthropic entities. By utilizing AI tools and solutions, organizations can unlock new insights, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across various sectors. Communities should strive for self-sustainability by employing local digital solution sets.

This can be achieved through collaboration with organizations such as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, as demonstrated by the Southern Communities Initiative. Emphasizing the importance of localized application software built through local perspectives ensures that digital solutions address the specific needs and context of communities, maximizing their effectiveness and impact.

To facilitate digital inclusion, it is essential to transition from focusing solely on digital connectivity to digital enablement. This requires promoting understanding and digital literacy among individuals and communities. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, systems, and solutions can greatly enhance digital enablement by providing accessible and user-friendly platforms for individuals to effectively engage with digital technologies.

Promoting diversity in AI tool creation and business practices leads to better outcomes. Involving students from underrepresented backgrounds in AI software courses helps avert bias and create more inclusive and unbiased algorithms. Additionally, diverse boards and management companies yield lower risk and higher returns.

Fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity not only aligns with social and ethical considerations but also improves decision-making and performance. In conclusion, digital equity remains a significant challenge for certain communities in the United States. However, through public-private partnerships, digital infrastructure investments, localized solutions, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, progress can be made towards achieving digital inclusion.

By harnessing the potential of technology and ensuring equal access and opportunities, communities can thrive, businesses can flourish, and society as a whole can benefit from the transformative power of digital technologies.